Juan Fernández (explorer) facts for kids

Juan Fernández (born around 1536 – died around 1604) was a Spanish explorer and navigator. He explored the Pacific Ocean near Peru and Chile in South America.

Fernández is famous for finding a much faster sea route from Callao in Peru to Valparaíso in Chile. He also discovered the Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile.

Juan Fernández: Explorer of the Pacific

Discovering New Sea Routes

In 1574, Juan Fernández found a new way to sail from Callao to Valparaíso. This route was much quicker than the old one, which followed the coastline closely. By sailing further west into the ocean, he avoided the strong Humboldt Current. This current usually slowed down ships sailing south along the coast.

While on this new route, he discovered the Juan Fernández Islands. This group of islands is located west of present-day Valparaíso in the Pacific Ocean. He also found the islands of San Félix and San Ambrosio in the same year.

The "Witch of the Pacific" Nickname

The incredible speed of his new sea route surprised many people. Some even thought it was magic! Because of this, Juan Fernández was questioned by the Inquisition in Peru. He became known as el brujo del Pacífico, which means "the witch of the Pacific."

Did He Discover New Zealand?

Some early historians, like Alexander Dalrymple and James Burney, believed that Juan Fernández was the first European to reach New Zealand. This would have been long before Abel Tasman in 1642.

The Secret Expedition

In 1575, an expedition was planned to explore a land called Terra Australis. This trip was led by Juan Fernández. The governor of Chile approved the journey, but the Viceroy of Peru did not. To get around this, the official plan said they were only sailing to the islands Fernández had found earlier.

Juan Fernández sailed from Valparaíso. After about a month, heading west along the 40th parallel south, they arrived at an island in 1576. It was described as "mountainous, fertile, with strong-flowing rivers." It was also said to be "inhabited by white peoples, and with all the fruits necessary to live."

When they returned to Chile, Juan Fernández wanted to tell government officials about his discovery. However, the expedition's organizer, Juan Jufré, wanted to keep it a secret. This was because the Viceroy of Peru had not approved the real trip. After Jufré died in 1578, Fernández finally shared his discovery. He tried to convince officials to return and start a colony, but they were not interested. A record of this discovery is said to exist in Spanish libraries.

What Historians Say Today

Most modern historians do not agree with the claim that Juan Fernández discovered New Zealand. University of Auckland history professor James Belich said that similar claims about other explorers finding New Zealand before Tasman are "highly unlikely."

However, some people continue to explore this idea. New Zealand filmmaker Winston Cowie has written books that suggest the Ruamahnga skull and local stories might support the theory. He believes more proof is needed to make it a strong possibility.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Fernández (marino) para niños